Adding water features create an interesting focal point in your garden. Having said that, solar panels for water features combine beauty with sustainability in your outdoor space without jeopardising the aesthetic appeal.
Water features hold water in a reservoir, so they need electricity to pump water against gravity. So, why not enjoy the perks of a water feature while saving on your energy bills?
If you think about enhancing your landscape using an eco-friendly solution, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn all about solar panels for water features in 2024.
Adding a water feature will refresh your garden, as the serenity of water calms your mind. However, solar-powered water features are much better since they combine cost savings with the aesthetics and environmental benefits.
Instead of relying on the main grid to pump water, solar-powered water features harness the sun’s power to operate. This results in environmental benefits, thanks to the sustainable energy source you use.
Almost half of the greenhouse gas emissions result from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. Solar-powered water features don’t rely on electricity from the grid, significantly reducing your carbon footprint and creating an eco-friendly setup in your garden.
But the real question is: are solar-powered water features reliable? According to Power Bee: they are. As per their statement: Our solar fountains are designed so that you can enjoy your garden all year round. They can provide a spray height of between 1.5 feet and 10 feet so you can find the perfect water fountain regardless of the size of your pond.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could save some cash while saving the world?
Solar-powered water features can actually help you reduce your energy bills by relying on solar power. Once installed, they can operate without relying on the main grid. Over time, this switch leads to major cost savings.
Installing a normal water feature requires extra work because of wiring, which adds to the overall installation cost. But this isn’t the case when you choose solar-powered ones.
Solar-powered water features are easy and cheap to install, making them a smart investment that immediately increases curb appeal without unnecessary expenses and fewer wires to worry about.
In addition to all the previous benefits, solar-powered water features are just as aesthetically appealing as the old-fashioned ones. Whether you want to add a bird bath or a cascading fountain, this hardscape element will immediately enhance the ambience and transform your garden into a welcoming outdoor space.
Because they’re so versatile, you can find many shapes and sizes of solar-powered water features. Solar water features come in all styles, allowing you to choose one that complements your garden’s theme.
So, what are the different types of solar water features you can add to your garden? Luckily for you, there are plenty of models and styles to suit every outdoor space.
Whether it’s just for aesthetics or to improve the environmental balance in your garden by providing different with water, you’ll find the right solution.
Transform your outdoor space from a still environment into one packed with movements and sounds using a solar fountain. Solar fountains enhance every garden’s appeal and are easy to install and maintain. We’ll explore their different kinds in the following section.
If you already have a pond or pool, a floating solar fountain can be an excellent upgrade to consider. Floating solar fountains are easy to install and create a stunning visual effect.
But that’s not all. They also help to aerate the water, improving the water conditions for aquatic animal and plant life. They actually improve the water quality by circulating and oxygenating it.
Do you think that your backyard or garden is too small for a water feature?
Tiered solar fountains could be the right answer. They occupy a small space yet deliver an incredibly soothing visual and audio effect.
By creating a cascading waterfall in your outdoor space, these water features add soothing movements and sounds to your garden. They also come in various sizes and styles, allowing you to pick one that fits your space.
One of the world’s best landscape designers talks about these water features in Homes & Gardens: This elegant water fountain has a two-tiered design and uses solar power to operate and charge its lithium battery when the sun is not out. The graceful cascading water creates a stunning visual display that adds a touch of traditional sophistication to your yard.
Image Credit: Forbes
A tiered solar fountain in a garden setting
Want to make your garden a safe haven for native and migrating birds? A solar bird bath will be the answer.
Solar bird baths attract birds to your outdoor space, adding a lively element to your garden. These birds play a crucial role in balancing the ecosystem as they can help control pests and pollinate your plants.
As a matter of fact, a solar bird bath isn’t just for birds. It will also benefit different wildlife forms that occasionally visit your garden like rabbits and squirrels by providing them with drinking water and a spot to cool off.
Integrated solar panel bird baths are quite straightforward to install and maintain. No wiring or any modification is needed, as they come ready to operate.
Determining how many solar panels you need can be tricky. Contact Soly’s experts today and they’ll help you determine the number of solar panels you’ll need for various applications. Additionally, they’ll suggest various setups and provide a cost estimate to help you make an informed decision.
Believe it or not, a pond might still look attractive when full of harmful microorganisms that kill different life forms. Stagnant water becomes full of debris and waste that harm and even kill various aquatic life forms.
This is where a pond pump becomes a necessary addition. This device pumps the water through a filtration system to remove all the waste. It also helps circulate the water, making it healthier for the animals and plants in your pond.
Solar pond pumps rely on solar energy instead of electricity to do this job. So, what does this mean for you as a homeowner?
It actually means that you can install an eco-friendly solution that improves the water quality in your pond or lake without additional operational costs.
Submersible pond pumps are placed under the water’s surface, circulating and oxygenating the water to improve its quality. They’re popular because they’re quiet, allowing you to create an inviting seating area next to a pond without worrying about the constant buzzing.
So, what’s the catch?
Well, being underwater makes them incredibly expensive to operate. This is why solar-powered submersibles are becoming every homeowner’s number one choice – or they should be anyway.
Submersibles come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that works for the water body in your backyard or garden. However, you should learn about their features and specifications to pick one that suits your needs.
Despite being practical, they have some limitations as they can only handle medium-sized bodies of water. So, what are your other options as a homeowner?
External pumps can work for larger water bodies and are not as expensive to install or operate as the submersibles. However, you can still reduce their operational costs by switching to a solar-powered setup.
Image Credit: Diffulpump
A submersible solar pump in a pond.
Once you’ve made up your mind regarding the water feature you want to add to your outdoor space, it’s time to think about the installation and setup.
As a matter of fact, this step can make or break your whole project as a poor installation can result in unnecessary costs, ruin the aesthetic appeal of your garden, and even harm the wildlife in your outdoor space.
But forget this gloomy picture, because we will walk you through the installation process, explaining every detail you should consider before adding a water feature to elevate the mood in your outdoor space.
Here are the right steps to follow.
Where do you want to install your water feature? Of course, the answer to this question depends on your personal preference.
However, there are other factors to consider like the water feature’s function, available space, other hardscape elements, and how much sun this site receives.
Remember that without enough sun exposure, your solar-powered water feature won’t function as it should.
So, how do you decide on the site?
It’s crucial to consult a professional before determining the most appropriate setup location. Soly’s experts recommend that the site you pick should receive between 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to operate your feature properly. This will be enough to power your solar panels and keep the water feature running as it should.
Moreover, this sunlight exposure allows the system to store energy in the battery. This stored energy will operate the water feature at night or when sun exposure isn’t enough.
Following the right assembly instructions is paramount to ensure your solar-powered water feature works properly.
Although fairly simple to install, be sure to read the user manual! How to connect a water feature using the cables and connectors provided may differ from product to product.
Want a better solution? Professional installers will ensure all connections are tight and waterproof for maximum safety. This way, you know that your water feature will last for years without issues.
If you buy your solar panels and/or battery from Soly, you’ll enjoy our professional installation services. Our experts guarantee proper connection and peace of mind.
So, now that I’ve installed my water feature properly, I shouldn’t worry much about maintenance, right?
Well, Soly panels on your roof don’t require cleaning – however, your garden is subject to much larger debris from surrounding trees, plants, and pests. Also, when a professional Soly Expert instals your roof panels, the wiring is much more resistant to the elements. Garden fountain wiring won’t be as tough as our solar panel wiring!
So, even with proper installation, regular maintenance of your water fountain wiring is essential. Inspection will also help detect early problems before they worsen.
Homeowners usually ask: what are the best maintenance tips to keep solar-powered water features operational?
Many solar panels that you’ll find on Google searches require regular cleaning to remove the dust and debris that prevent the absorption of solar energy. Without cleaning, your water feature won’t have enough power and will simply stop working.
This has nothing to do with the motor or any internal parts. The dust obstructs the flow of sunlight, preventing the solar panels from generating electric energy.
But this isn’t the case when you install Soly’s solar panels.
Unlike other panels on the market, these solar panels don’t require cleaning. This means that you won’t have to worry about your water feature stopping.
With regular use, some parts of your solar-powered water feature are subject to natural wear and tear. It’s important to check all the parts for any visible signs of damage.
Check the pump, solar panels, and all the connectors to confirm your system is functioning properly. Here’s a helpful video on how this is done.
Not all solar panels are created equal.
Despite working similarly, not all solar panels deliver the same efficiency. We’ll discuss how they perform in the following section.
How efficient are solar panels at converting sunlight? High-efficiency panels generate more power by absorbing the sunlight. As a result, they’ll guarantee that your solar-powered water feature will operate properly in low-light conditions.
Monocrystalline panels use the latest technology and are more efficient at absorbing and converting sunlight into electricity to operate your water feature. However, this also means that they’re more expensive than polycrystalline panels.
Does this mean that you should always choose them?
Not necessarily. Soly’s professionals will help you weigh up the pros and cons of each type to choose solar panels that fit your energy needs and budget.
Experts will also explain the difference between serial vs. parallel connections depending on how much sunlight your solar panels get. Generally speaking, experts recommend serial connections because they’re more cost-efficient and deliver higher voltage to the system.
Many homeowners get frustrated when they notice that their solar-powered water feature doesn’t operate efficiently despite being in perfect condition. Performance is affected by seasonal weather changes that affect the solar energy available and accordingly, how much power your solar panels produce.
Many homeowners are embracing greener home solutions, such as solar panels and heat pumps. But what if sunlight exposure is limited?
Shorter days and less sun exposure in winter mean that your solar panels will have limited access to sunlight. As a result, your water feature won’t operate as efficiently or not at all.
However, this isn’t what you had in mind when you decided to install a solar-powered water feature, is it?
This is why professionals always recommend installing a solar battery. Battery storage systems will store the excess power available on sunny days to allow you to use your water feature when access to sunlight is limited.
So, do you want to boost the ambience in your garden despite the limited access to sunlight?
Enhance your outdoor oasis with this solar bird bath fountain! Boasting six customisable nozzles, this compact 6.7″ pump offers dynamic water displays for gardens, ponds, and more. Its 2.5W solar panel ensures consistent operation, even in low sunlight, while the built-in brushless motor minimises noise.
Which battery storage should you choose? This is a legitimate question because homeowners have various options, and this section will help you understand how they differ.
On top of the list are lithium-ion batteries. They have a long lifespan and high energy density. This means that they can store energy more efficiently to be used in low-light conditions. But, remember that they’re more expensive than lead-acid batteries.
Image Credit: PyraCantha
Caption: A lithium-ion battery connected to a solar water feature.
Solar water features represent a new technology and the market is constantly evolving as industry practices improve. Modern trends and innovations create better options for homeowners who want to install these water features in their properties. State-of-the-art models are more efficient and long-lasting, representing a valuable investment.
Soly is here to teach you about the latest trends to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s explore them together.
Incorporate two new technologies in one device by opting for smart solar water features. These features can be controlled remotely via an app installed on your smartphone.
Imagine the convenience and customisation you can enjoy with a simple button click! Control the flow, switch it on and off, and check the battery’s charging level whenever you like, without moving an inch. Isn’t this every homeowner’s dream come true?
Learning about solar batteries will help you make an informed decision. Soly has put together this comprehensive guide to teach you about the different options, so don’t forget to check it out.
Water features represent a hardscape element that enhances the ambience in your garden. As a homeowner, you should think carefully about the right design to fit your outdoor theme.
Luckily, many options are available. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist or more elegant design, there will always be one for you.
What if I can’t find anything that actually fits my garden décor?
Yes, this could happen. However, most manufacturers offer customisable solar garden water feature designs that can be easily altered to fit the aesthetics of your garden.
The goal is to create a focal point that blends with everything else and attracts attention to your garden – not something that oddly stands out.
Want to reduce your carbon footprint further?
Opt for eco-friendly materials to enhance the sustainability of your solar-powered water feature. Shop around for features made of biodegradable and recycled materials. These will contribute to your sustainability goals while delivering the aesthetic benefits you seek from a water feature.
Biodegradable hardscape elements, especially solar-powered water features, represent a great addition to any outdoor space.
Imagine something that breaks down in the soil without harming any of the microorganisms or wildlife forms. This is exactly what you can achieve when you buy a biodegradable water feature, as these models represent a go-to solution for eco-conscious consumers.
Image Credit: Solar Living Savvy
Caption: A collage of different types of solar water features such as fountains, bird baths, and pond pumps.
So, how can I choose the best solar water feature for my garden?
Many homeowners ask this question because they feel overwhelmed by the number of models and styles available on the market. But don’t worry because Soly has prepared this detailed guide to highlight the factors that can affect your choice.
Do you want to pick the best solar-powered water feature for your space? Here are the factors to consider.
How big is your garden space? What is the size of the area you want to devote to the water feature?
Answering these two questions is a great place to start and can give you an idea about which styles and models to consider.
The right addition should stand out without being oddly placed. It should be proportional to the surrounding soft and hardscape elements. You should also ensure sunlight exposure at the selected spot to guarantee optimal operation.
Measure the area as precisely as possible, considering the height, width, and length of your water feature. You want to avoid overcrowding your space without choosing a water feature that feels too small. Don’t rely on your intuition, and make sure you record the measurements.
A solar-powered water feature needs access to direct sunlight. So, it’s crucial to assess the amount of solar energy this spot receives daily to determine the number and type of solar panels needed to operate your setup. Otherwise, your water feature won’t have enough power.
A water feature adds an aesthetic appeal to your garden and considering your personal preferences can help you find the most suitable one. Several factors can help you make the right decision when shopping around.
Do you prefer a steady strong stream that symbolises the power of water? Or do you want a gentle and serene flow?
Water features are available with different types of flow, whether you want gentle trickling, a cascading waterfall, or a bubbling effect. Choosing between these styles will help you create the desired outcome in your outdoor space.
Stainless steel, copper, granite, polyresin, stone, plastic, ceramic, and cement are popular material choices. But which one blends with all the other elements in your outdoor space?
Each one of these materials comes with its pros and cons. As a result, you can choose a suitable water feature according to your taste. And most importantly, it should blend well with all the other elements in your garden. For example, if you have a stone fire pit on one side, adding a stone water feature on the other side will create balance and harmony.
A water feature increases your property’s value. This is why it’s crucial to prepare a detailed budget for this renovation project.
Consider the cost of solar panels, pump, battery storage, and additional maintenance and installation expenses. All these factors will help you decide on the right feature to buy and install.
When considering the cost of solar panels, you should think about the upfront cost in addition to occasional maintenance costs. Also, it’s important to think about the pumps, battery, and any additional components crucial for your setup.
Many people get discouraged about switching to solar energy because of the upfront cost. However, as a homeowner, you should consider the long-term savings that come with your investment.
So, what should you do?
Soly recommends you compare the initial and maintenance costs to the long-term savings on energy bills. Eventually, you’ll realise that a solar-powered water feature will be a cost-effective investment.
Enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space and consider a customised setup. Advanced installation techniques can do wonders for your water feature’s functionality and overall appeal.
Where should you exactly place your solar panel?
Strategically placing your solar panel improves the water feature’s function as it maximises the energy capture needed to generate power. But, how can you achieve this?
An adjustable mounting system will be an excellent decision because it changes the angle of the solar panels during different times of the day/year.
This feature guarantees that your system will be functional throughout the year as you can angle the panels properly.
Ensure that your system operates on cloudy days and at night by integrating a battery storage system. Proper installation and wiring are paramount for maximum safety and to guarantee that the system functions properly.
The first question most homeowners will ask is: what is the type of battery to install?
You can choose between lithium-ion, lead-acid, and other battery types for your water feature. Think about the battery’s capacity, lifespan, and cost for an option that suits your preferences and budget.
Most homeowners prefer lithium-ion batteries because they last longer and are more energy-efficient. Nevertheless, if you’re on a tight budget, a lead-acid battery might be a better choice.
Make sure that all the wiring and connections of the battery system are properly installed and connected. This guarantees seamless integration of the solar system and your water feature for safe operation. Ensure all the connections are tight and waterproof to avoid any operational issues.
You can learn more about solar panels with battery storage by checking this comprehensive guide.
Advanced installation techniques aren’t just about functionality but can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of water features. Concealing all the wiring and connections improves the ambience in your outdoor space. Moreover, you can incorporate other visual and sensory elements to make your water feature more appealing.
For example, adding lights, considering an alternating water flow, or combining the feature with other landscape elements will create an appealing setup.
The light and water combo creates balance in your outdoor space. Think about incorporating LED or solar-powered lights to illuminate your water feature at night and add charm to your outdoor seating area.
You have unlimited options as a homeowner, so don’t hesitate to give each one a try to see the effect it creates.
How can you use the water to complement the overall ambience of your garden?
Landscaping and surroundings play a crucial role in ensuring that everything blends in balance. Think about all the softscape and hardscape components and how they complement each other. Use different materials and elements to create balance and contrast around your water feature.
For example, you can use plants, rocks, and other decorative elements to draw attention to your water feature for a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space.
Your water feature is subject to performance issues and maintenance challenges. Addressing them as soon as possible restores the efficiency of your solar-powered water feature. Moreover, it improves the longevity of the system, resulting in more cost savings in the long run.
This section will cover some common issues and how to solve them.
Notice that your water feature isn’t operating as it should? Common problems like intermittent operation and low water flow should be addressed before they permanently affect your system.
Obstructions like rocks, plants, and debris are usually the culprit when your water feature doesn’t function as it should. But you can easily solve this problem by cleaning the pump to remove anything that prevents the water from moving.
However, there could be another obstruction that you aren’t aware of.
Remember that your system is solar-powered. Anything that affects the absorption of solar energy should be addressed.
Think about overhanging branches, nearby buildings, dust, debris, and other landscape elements and see what can be done about them. Installing an adjustable system that allows for positioning solar panels at different angles will be a big plus.
Cleaning solar panels should be done carefully and only when they’re really dirty. Soly’s solar panels hardly ever need this cleaning because they’re efficient enough to work despite regular dust accumulation. However, our experts prepared this comprehensive guide to guarantee your panels’ optimal performance when they’re covered by snow or moss.
Intermittent operation usually indicates a battery problem. After ensuring the solar panels are clean and free of all obstructions, check the battery’s connections. In most cases, replacing the connections and some of the wires will solve the issue.
In addition to successful installation, regular maintenance shouldn’t be ignored. Simple maintenance tasks like cleaning will extend the life of your system and maintain the efficiency of its components.
Luckily, as stated previously, Soly’s solar panels don’t need cleaning. This is why choosing Soly’s solar panels will be a smart investment.
Again, make sure to inspect all the system’s parts. If you notice that something looks worn off, loose, damaged, or broken, you should have it replaced.
Restore your system’s functionality by checking for any electrical and mechanical failures.
Faulty components won’t only affect the system’s performance, but can also damage other parts. Ensure that all connections are waterproof and tight, and all parts are operational before you get your water feature to work.
By reaching the end of this comprehensive guide, you have all the information you need about installing a sustainable water feature in your garden. Here’s a quick summary of what you should know about using solar panels for water features.
Installing a solar-powered water feature adds a sustainable hardscape element to your garden while saving on energy bills. These garden accessories showcase how solar panels’ technology can be combined with nature’s beauty to create a magical effect while protecting the environment from harmful gas emissions.
You can make the best of your solar water feature by opting for proper installation and including battery storage to improve the system’s efficiency. Join thousands of satisfied customers and contact Soly today to learn about the latest trends in solar energy and choose the best solar products for a sustainable outdoor space.
